CVE-2023-1989 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-1989, a use-after-free vulnerability found in the Linux Kernel, affecting versions prior to Kernel 6.3 RC4.

Understanding CVE-2023-1989

CVE-2023-1989 is a use-after-free flaw discovered in the Linux Kernel, specifically in the btsdio_remove function in drivers\bluetooth\btsdio.c. This vulnerability can potentially lead to a race condition issue resulting in a Use-After-Free (UAF) vulnerability on hdev devices.

What is CVE-2023-1989?

The CVE-2023-1989 vulnerability involves an improper handling of memory in the Linux Kernel, which could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service on the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1989

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as an attacker could potentially exploit it to escalate privileges, execute malicious code, or crash the system, leading to a security breach or system instability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1989

The following technical details shed light on the vulnerability and its implications on affected systems:

Vulnerability Description

The use-after-free flaw in btsdio_remove can be triggered by calling the function with an unfinished job, resulting in a race condition that leads to a UAF on hdev devices.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: Kernel
Versions Affected: Linux kernel versions prior to Kernel 6.3 RC4

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specially designed request to the targeted Linux Kernel, triggering the use-after-free condition and potentially gaining unauthorized access or disrupting system operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-1989 and enhance system security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to Linux Kernel version 6.3 RC4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor official security advisories from Linux Kernel maintainers for patches and updates addressing CVE-2023-1989.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and code reviews to identify and address potential memory-related vulnerabilities in the codebase.
Educate developers and maintainers on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches released by the Linux Kernel maintainers promptly to address known security vulnerabilities.
Follow best practices for system maintenance and keep software dependencies up to date to minimize the risk of exploitation.